Abstract

The design and development of educational games requires an understanding of not only software and game design, but also of the associated educational theories. While many authors agree that learning can take place while playing games, more research on the development of such complex learning tools is required. The original Game Object Model (GOM) conceptualized game design in relation to theories associated with play and exploration. Here, concepts related to social constructivism and Social Networks and Social Capital are used to extend the GOM. The use of these concepts allowed us to design an appropriate game-play scenario where 'winning' is related to building appropriate and sustainable social networks through HTTP-based communication devices. While GOM and the associated development model (Game Achievement Model), supported the conceptualization and development of the game, the use of these models is also complex as all team members need to understand, not only the models, but also the underlying epistemologies, that may be incongruent with their particular world view.

Citation

Amory, A. (2005). Designing Games to Foster Social Network Development. In P. Kommers & G. Richards (Eds.), Proceedings of EdMedia: World Conference on Educational Media and Technology 2005 (pp. 1947-1952). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).